“I was given a friendly welcome by all the group walkers,” says Russell, “which put me at ease from the start. Within weeks I had noticed real changes to my health. My energy level had improved, breathing was less laboured and even my blood glucose levels had stabilised. Over the following months, my stamina had improved markedly, which influenced everyday tasks  that I had previously found exhausting.“ Without a family to support him, friendships play an important part on Russell‘s life and making more through the walks has been a wonderful experience. 

“I've found the cheery banter and kind acceptance a real tonic to my sense of well being. The walks are so relaxed and are a great way to socialise. It has a really therapeutic effect and after a walk I do feel energised. Friends have commented on how much more active and positive I have become lately. “ Now with new vigour and confidence in himself, Russell is training to be a walk leader. He has found a new outlook on life and living with his conditions, and he is also training to be an advocate for Pentreath – a group that works with people with aspergers and autism. 

“Now I am a seasoned veteran, who welcomes other new walkers to our 'happy few'. I hope that I can show other people like me that feeling better can be as easy as getting out for a quick walk. I feel like a new man now that I’ve found a simple way to feel better physically and mentally. That and Cornwall's natural beauty have done the rest.”